10 Classic Films You Have to See

Pinck Picks|January 25, 2025

You’ve guessed it, we’re still cocooning! And since the cold weather has been hitting the South unseasonably hard, we couldn’t think of a better time to nestle indoors and stay cozy inside.

If you’re following along on Substack then you know that step four is all about lounging around in comfy clothes. But what should one do while lounging around? Binge old movies of course!

You know the ones with iconic scenes that you’ve seen on Pinterest and as memes on your timeline. The ones that are so ingrained in our culture, and yet we’re willing to bet you haven’t actually taken the time to watch! So now’s the perfect time.

Our founder, MPR, loves old movies and gets sooo much inspiration from them. It influences her wardrobe, her travel, her home, and even how she raises her son. One Halloween, she even channeled the legendary Dorothy Dandridge in her iconic look from the Oscars, where Dorothy made history as the first Black woman to be nominated for Best Actress for her role in Carmen Jones.

There are hundreds of classic movies out there. I’m sure if you asked 50 different people, they’d give you 50 completely different lists of what to watch. But if you asked Megan here are 10 she thinks are worth spending an entire weekend watching…

10 Classic Films You Should Actually Watch:

Carmen Jones

A vibrant, all-Black musical set during World War II, where a seductive and headstrong woman named Carmen leads a soldier, Joe, into a tragic whirlwind of love, betrayal, and doomed passion, all set to a jazzy, operatic soundtrack.

Breakfast At Tiffany's

A story of a young woman in New York City searching for love and security while navigating the complexities of her own identity. The story explores themes of loneliness, social aspiration, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the glamorous yet fleeting world of Manhattan’s elite.

High Society

Is a glamorous musical comedy about a wealthy socialite, Tracy Lord, whose wedding plans are complicated by the arrival of her ex-husband and a charming reporter, all set against the soundtrack of Louis Armstrong and his band who act as a Greek chorus of sorts."

Funny Face

Is a whimsical musical about a shy, bookish woman who’s discovered by a fashion photographer and swept into the glamorous world of high fashion, romance, and chic Parisian adventures, all set to the catchy tunes of George Gershwin.

Sabrina

Is a charming romantic comedy about a young woman who returns from Paris transformed, catching the attention of two wealthy brothers, one serious and the other playful, leading to a heartwarming love triangle and an array of custom Givenchy gowns.

Imitation of Life

It is a powerful drama that explores race, motherhood, and identity, following the lives of two women—one black, one white—as their families navigate societal expectations, personal struggles, and the painful complexities of love and belonging.

My Fair Lady

A beloved musical about a poor, unrefined flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, who is transformed into a poised lady by a snobbish phonetics professor, leading to a delightful mix of romance, wit, and social transformation.

A Raisin in the Sun

A powerful drama about a black family in 1950s Chicago grappling with generational conflict, dreams of a better life, and the harsh realities of race and class as they struggle to move beyond their cramped apartment and achieve their aspirations.

A StreetCar Named Desire

A haunting drama about a fragile, mentally unstable woman, Blanche DuBois, who moves in with her sister in New Orleans, only to clash with her brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski, in a tragic struggle of desire, power, and broken dreams.

Some Like It Hot

A classic comedy about two musicians who, after witnessing a mob hit, disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band, leading to hilarious complications and romantic misunderstandings.

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